Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

“I’m extremely proud of the Space Force and all the good it has accomplished. But, as good as we are, as much as we’ve done, as far as we’ve come, it’s not enough. We are not yet optimized for Great Power Competition.”

~ Chief of Space Operations
Gen. Chance Saltzman

The establishment of the U.S. Space Force was a direct response to threats arising from Great Power Competition in the space domain. Nevertheless, our legacy roots leave us sub-optimized for the security environment confronting us today, and we must finish fine-tuning the service to continue meeting its National Defense Strategy responsibilities

In early 2024, the Department of the Air Force unveiled sweeping plans for reshaping, refocusing, and reoptimizing the Air Force and Space Force to ensure continued supremacy in their respective domains while better posturing the services to deter and, if necessary, prevail in an era of Great Power Competition. Through a series of 24 DAF-wide key decisions, four core areas which demand the Department’s attention will be addressed: Develop People, Generate Readiness, Project Power and Develop Capabilities.

The space domain is no longer benign; it has rapidly become congested and contested.

We must enhance our capabilities, develop Guardians for modern warfare, prepare for the high intensity fight, and strengthen our power projection to thrive and win in this new era of Great Power Competition.

Video by Master Sgt. Samuel Chen

SGT JI CHOI

Office of the Chief, Army Reserve

May 10, 2024 | 0:59

Sgt. Ji Choi is an Army Reserve Soldier who lives and works in South Korea. Since her family is there, having the opportunity to work abroad as a civilian, while still serving her U.S. Army Reserve duty there, maximized her personal goals and potentials.

When Sgt. Choi left Active Duty Army, she didn't have a plan for herself yet, so transitioning into the Army Reserve was the ideal stepping stone into her next life's next chapter. She found that her leadership in the Reserve, also drilling in South Korea, understood her situation, and encouraged her to be all she can be... including completing her bachelors degree.

U.S. Army Reserve video by MSG Sam Chen.